Just 99 days on from their pulsating Scottish Cup final clash at Hampden Park last season, Celtic and Rangers face off once again in the Old Firm derby of the Scottish Premiership campaign this Sunday.
Both sides enter the game unbeaten in the league, though it is Celtic that hold the advantage over their neighbours, with the Hoops enjoying a 100 per cent record in the Scottish top flight so far. A win for Rangers would see them leapfrog their fierce rivals though with the Gers just two points behind.
Fears about the fitness of Cameron Carter-Vickers have been allayed ahead of kick-off, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirming the player is “fine”, while £11million record signing Arne Engels could make his Hoops debut. Rodgers’ has plenty selection dilemmas though, with both Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah battling to start the game, while Paul Bernardo will be aiming to keep his place in Hoops engine room.
As for Rangers, Ridvan Yilmaz is set to miss out with a thigh injury, though Robin Propper could be available again after missing last weekend’s 6-0 win over Ross County. Could Rabbi Matondo come back into the starting XI after last week’s outstanding performance - or will Clement opt for Ross McCausland on the right-wing?
The Scotsman predicts Celtic and Rangers’ starting XI for this weekend’s game, with both bosses facing several selection dilemmas.
13. CM: Reo Hatate - Celtic
There's a reason the Hoops were receiving bids of £10million from English Premier League sides for the Japanese player's services this week. He's a Rolls-Royce in the middle and is key to Celtic winning the game this Sunday. | SNS Group
14. CM: Mohamed Diomande - Rangers
He's been one of Rangers best signings in recent years and become of the first names on the team sheet. The Ivorian will play alongside Connor Barron in the middle. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
15. CM: Paulo Bernardo - Celtic
He stepped into the Matt O'Riley last week, following the Dane's £26million move to Brighton, and performed well. He's done enough to keep his place for the derby. | SNS Group
16. AM: Tom Lawrence - Rangers
Will be boosted by his superb display in the 6-0 win over Ross County last week. | SNS Group Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group